Mining machine



Aug. 20, 1929. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed Aug. El, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet l Aug. 20, 1929.

M. P. HOLMES 1,725,140

MINING MACHINE Original Filed Aug. 31, 1925 2 SheetsSheet 2 Patented Aug. 20, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MORRIS P. HOLMES, OF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

MINING MA CHINE.

Application filed August 31, 1925, Serial No. 53,517. Renewed April 24, 1928.

This invention relates to mining machines planetary gearing preferably comprises a and more particularly to mining machines of the so-called longwall type in which a machine frame having a cutter bar or other suitable cutter mechanism projecting laterally therefrom is adapted to be drawn longitudinally of a mine working face of substantial length through the cooperation with winding means carried by the machine with the flexible feeding member extending from the machine to a fixed point at a point in advance of the latter.

Among the objects of the present inven tion is the provision of an improved mining machine and more particularly of an improvec longwall mining machine. Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved longwall mining machine of a type adapted to cut in inverted positions with the bar substantially contin uing the surface over which the machine moves or at a substantial distance above the mine bottom and working in a dirt band or a similar location. A further object of the invention is to provide an improved feeding mechanism for a longwall mining ma chine in which a plural speed rotation of a llenible feeding member winding element may be accompli hed through simplified mechan'r-an. Otl er objects and advantages of the invention will subsequently appear.

In a preferred form the invention may comprise a machine frame comprising a cutting mechanism section, an intermediate motor section, and a feeding mechanism section at the opposite side of the motor section from the cutting mechanism section. Prcferably the feeding mechanism section comprises a feed operating member adapted to coact with and wind a. flexible rope or cable. Said feed operating member is preferably rotatable on a vertical axis approximately midway between the sides of the machine frame and in a position adjacent the front end of the latter and also in horizontal planes including the cutting mechanism. The actuating mechanism for the feed operating mechanism is preferably of the frictio. :ontrolled, pluralsspeed type and preferably comprises planetary gearing having a plurality of coaxial elements, a plurality of which may be driven to effect different iction thereof produce ditl nt feeding The. HlGClltHllnlll for the plurality of frictionally controlled trains which drive the planetary gearing through worms and worm gears.

The arrangement of the parts may obviously be substantially varied and for purposes of illustration I have disclosed in the accompanying drawings two specific forms which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,-

Fig. 1 is a view partiallyin plan and partially in horizontal longitudinal section showing one illustrative form of my invention.

Fig. 2- is a longitudinal vertical section on the line 22 of Fig. 1, with parts shown in elevation.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical section on line 33. of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of a portion of the front end of the machine showing the location of controlling means.

Fig. 5v is a transverse section on the line 5.5, of Fig. 3,

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of the feeding mechanism end of a modified form of construction, the top plate of the machine being broken away to disclose the internal mechanism.

Fig. 7 is a vertical of Fig. 6.

Taking up first the species of the invention disclosed in Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings, 1 is an invertible mining machine frame having opposite surfaces 2 and 3 upon either of which it may selectively slide during cutting and other feeding movements. The frame 1 comprises a central motor section 4, the feeding section 5, and the cutting mechanism section 6, and the latter carries a pivotally mounted cutter bar 7 having a circulating cutter chain 8 of usual form. The cutter bar may be moved to different angular positions about a pivotal axis 9 lying in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine and may be held in its different adjusted positions by suitable locking means 10. The motor section 4 contains a driving motor 11 having an armature shaft 11 which is connected in suitable clutch controlled driving relation with the cutter chain 8 and as the details of this machine. h-lay obviously assume. a large section on the line 77 number of forms, no specific illustration has been provided. A form of mechanism which is well adapted for this purpose is disclosed in the copending application of Morris P. Holmes, Serial No. 619,839, filed Feb. 19, 1923, now matured into Patent 1,670,155, patented May 15, 1928. The feeding mechanism section 5 carries in horizontal planes including the cutter bar 7 a vertically journaled rope or cable winding drum 12 upon which a flexible feeding member 13, herein in the form of a flexible wire cable, is adapted to be wound. Drum 12 is journaled on suitable ball bearings 14 surrounding a removable stud 15 held in position upon the machine frame by a bolt 16 which passes through the stud and enters an intermediate partition 17 of the machine frame. The partition 17, a vertical transverse partition. 18 and a longitudinal partition 19, together with the external walls of the frame section 5 provide a plurality of chambers 20 and 21 in which suitable controller and rheostat mechanism may be located.

The front end of thearmature shaft 11 is elongated and is journaled in a bearing 22 and in the spaced bearing 23. At opposite sides of the bearing 23, a plurality of driving pinions 24 and 25 are arranged. The pinions 24 and 25 respectively mesh with and constitute driving elements for a pair of larger spur gears 26 and 27 each of which is journaled for rotation about the axis of the horizontal longitudinally extending shaft 28. The shaft 28 is journaled in four longitudinally spaced bearings 30, 31, 32 and 33, two or more of which may be thrust bearings as well as bearings supporting the shaft for rotation upon its axis. The bearing 33 is supported upon a removable section 34 carried by the transverse partition 18, this construction being employed to facilitate the removal of the shaft 28. The gear 26 is provided with a bearing portion 35 which is freely rotatable upon the periphery of a sleeve 36 which is keyed as at 37 to the shaft 28. The gear 26 and the sleeve 36 are provided with portions respectively engaging alternate friction clutch discs 38 and 39 and the gear 26 also provides an abutment portion 40 against which the discs may be pressed by a slidable pressure applying member 41 which is mounted upon a sleeve 42 mounted upon the shaft 28 adjacent the bearing 31. Loading of the friction clutch including the discs 38 and 39 will connect the gear 26 with the sleeve 36 and so effect driving of the shaft 28.

The gear 27 is provided with a bearing portion 43 journaled upon a sleeve member 44 which'is loose upon the shaft 28 and carries a clutch disc engaging portion 45. The latter is arranged coaxially with a cooperating clutch disc engaging portion 46 carried by the gear 27, and series of friction clutch disc elements 48 and 49 are respectively engaged by the portions and 46 and held in non-rotative relation thereto. Suitable pressure applying means including the pressure applying plate 50 having fingers 51 engaging the end disc 49 is adapted to effect frictional engagement of the discs 48 and 49 and cause rotation, upon driving of the gear 27, of the sleeve 44. Permanently clutched by clutch teeth 52 to the sleeve 44 is a spur pinion 54 which meshes with and drives a spur gear 55 which is rigidly secured to a shaft 56. The shaft 56 is journaled in a bearing 57 and in a bearing 59 corresponding to the bearing 33 and removable in a similar manner. The shaft 28 carries a driving worm 60 and the shaft 56 a driving worm 61, the pitch of these worms being determined by the desired speeds and their direction being determined by the desired direction of rotation of the feed operating member.

The rope winding drum 12 carries an internal gear which is driven by a driving pinion 66 rotatable upon a vertical axis disposed rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the drum and adapted to be driven at different speeds by the two worms 60 and 61. Supporting and actuating mechanism for the gear 66 is as follows: Supported upon a removable cover plate 67 and in a bearing 68 carried thereon is a shaft 69 having a flange 7O engaging the inner race of the bearing 68. A worm wheel 71 is keyed as at 72 to the upper end of the shaft 69 and is journaled in the bearing 68. Botatably mounted upon the periphery of the shaft 69 below the worm wheel 71 and upon anti-friction bearings 73 is a sleeve portion 74 of a worm wheel 75. The worm wheel 75 is a planet carrier and has mounted therein a plurality of stud shafts 76 surrounded by bearings 77 upon which planet gears 78 are rotatable. Adjacent its lower end the shaft 69 has mounted thereon a spur pinion 80 which meshes with the several planet gears 78. The lower end of the shaft 69 is journaled in a bearing 81 supported in the upper end of a'sleeve member 82 which is bolted as at 83 to a yoke member 84 secured at its opposite ends to the dividing plate 17 and doweled to the latter. Surrounding the sleeve member 82 and rotatable upon bearings 86 is a sleeve portion 87 which is provided externally with the teeth 66 and carries an internal gear 88 which is engaged by the planet gears 78. The partition 19 is provided with an opening 89 within which the internal gear 88 rotates, this gear being a close running fit for the opening to prevent the access of dust or other injurious material to the gear ing. The worm 61 drives the worm wheel 71, the worm 60 driving the worm wheel 75.

The clutch discs 38, 39 and 48, 49 may be forced into frictional engagement by any suitable mechanisms. Herein hand-wheels 89 and 90 control the rotation of longitudinally immovable threaded rods 91 and 92 which engage nuts on the free ends of clutch loading levers. Referring to Fig. 5, the rod 91 will be noted to be engaged in a nut 23 carried in trunnions at the free end of a lever 94- pivoted as at 95 and at its opposite ends having roller equipped clutch loading fingers 96. The mechanism for controlling the other clutch is generally similar.

At its end remote from the cutter bar are guide sheaves 98 and 99 adjacent opposite sides of the frame and a central guide sheave 100.

The mode of operation of the first form of the invention may. now be described. As is well known, rotation of the central gear of the epicyclic train of the type disclosed while the planet carrier remains stationary causes rotation in the opposite direction of the internal gear which forms the outside member of the gear train, while bodily rotation of the planet carriers With the central pinion stationary causes rotation of the internal gear in the same direction as the direction of rotary movement of the planet carrier. As there is a reverse in the direction of rotation of the two worms effected by the presence of the pinion 54 and gear 55, it will be evident that since it is desired that the drum rotate in the same direction at both the slow and set speeds the Worms will be similarly threaded, but in order to provide for a speed of rotation of the drum suitable for the moving speed, the worm 6O engaging with the worm wheel 75 is given a considerably steeper pitch than the worm 61. It will now be evident that in moving the machine to a desired position the elements 24 and 26 may be caused to effect drive of the shaft 28 and so of the worm (30 with resultant relatively rapid rate of rotation of the drum 12. During cutting, however, the members 25 and 27 may serve to drive through the pinion 54 and gear 55 the worm 61 with the resultant considerably slower rate of rotation. A third speed can be obtained by causing both worms to rotate at the same time and variations secured by slipping the clutches. It is unnecessary to go into details as to the manner in which the bar is swung under the coal, this being done in any usual manner by the employment of a flexible feeding member. It should be noted, however, that the flexible feeding member may be led off over either side of the machine about the guide sheaves provided and that different speeds of rotation of the feed operating member can be obtained by allowing the clutches controlling the driving of the worms to slip to different extents.

Next eferrmg to Figs. 6 and 7, another embodi entof: the invention may be ob served. Here it will be noted that illustration of the cutting end of the machine is entirely omitted, this mechanism being the same as in the previous form. The forward end of a motor armature shaft 14 carries a driving pinion 24 which is arranged intermediate a pair of driven gears 26 and 27 which are respectively provided with friction clutch mechanisms analogous to that associated with the gear 26 in the species first lescribed and generally designated 101 and 101 these friction clutch n'iechanisms serving to connect the gears 26 and 27 respectively in driving relation to shafts 28 and 56. The shaft 28 carries aworm while the shaft 56 carries a worm 61. Suitable bearings shown in elevation at 30 and 59 are provided for the shafts 28 and 56. A rope winding drum 12 corresponding to the drum 12 is journaled on the frame in a position much nearer to the motor than in the form shown in Figs. 1 to 5, and this drum is provided with an internal gear (35 corre sponding to the internal gear 65. Mechanism corresponding closely in construction with the parts (37 to 88 is provided for actuating a driving pinion 66* and the general method of control and operation is very sim ilar to that previously described. In view of the rotation in like directions of the gears 26" and 27 and the arrangement of the worm 60 and 61" at opposite sides of the axis of rotation of the pinion 66 the worms are provided with opposite threads but otherwise the construction, except as of the general arrangement mentioned, is extremely like that of the first species described. It is therefore believed that it is unnecessary to provide any further description of the mode of operation of this mechanism than to say that the fast feed is obtained by the drive through the gear 26 while the slow feed is obtained through the gear 27 and that variations in speeds may be obtained as in the first form described.

lVhile I have in this application specifically described two forms which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that these forms of the same are shown for purposes of illustration and that the illvention may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spi. it or the scope of the appended claims.

lVhat I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a. vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members by power from said motor to effect drive of the other including driving trains of which the other member forms no part, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member whereby it may drive the latter.

2. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members at different speeds by power from said motor to effect drive of the other including driving trains of which the other member forms no part,

and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member whereby it may drive the latter.

3. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members,two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members in opposite directions by power from said motor to eiiect drive of the other including driving trains of which the other member forms no part, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member whereby it may drive the latter.

4. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members in opposite directions at different speeds by power from said motor to effect drive of the other including driving trains of which the other member forms no part, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member whereby it may drive the latter.

5. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said ear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members separately or tog-e her by power from said motor to effect drive. oi? the other luc-luding diving trains of which the other member forms no part, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member whereby it may drive the latter.

6. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for transmitting power :trom said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effect ing rotation of two of said members by power from said motor to effect drive of the other including driving trains of which the other member forms no part, and means conecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member whereby it may drive the latter.

7. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for efl'ecting rotation of two of said members at different speeds by power from said motor to effect drive of the other including driving trains of'which the other member forms no part, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member whereby it may drive the latter.

8. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for transmit-- ting power fromsaid motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members i: opposite directions by power from said motor to effect drive of the other including driving trains of which the other member forms no part, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member whereby it may drive the latter.

9. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members in opposite directions at differentspeeds by power from said motor to effect drive of the other iiiieluding driving t rains what). the,

' said motor to other member forms no part, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member whereby it may drive the latter.

10. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed opera-ting member, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members separately or together by power from said motor to effect drive of the other including driving trains of which the other member forms no part, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said ieed operating member whereby it may drive the latter.

11. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for efitecting rotation of two of said members by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

12. Ina mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members at different speeds by power from said motor including orms rotating on parallel axes, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

13. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rot-ation of two of said members in opposite directions by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating mem ber.

14. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members in opposite directions at different speeds by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

15. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members separately or together by power from said motor includ ing worms rotating on parallel axes, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

16. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

17. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members at different speeds by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

18. In a mining machine, a mot-or, a feed operating member, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for eflecting rotation of two of said members in opposite directions by power from said motor includingworms rotating on parallel axes,-and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

19. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for transmit ting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members in opposite directions at different speeds by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes, and means connecting the other of said members in d 'iving relation to said feed operating member.

20. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members separately or together by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

21. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes extending longitudinally of said machine, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

22. in a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for efiFecting rotation of two of said members at different speeds by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes extending longitudinally of said machine, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

23. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members in opposite directions by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes extending longitudinally of said machine, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

24. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members in opposite directions at different speeds by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes extending longitudinally of said machine, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

25. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members, two ol" which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members separately or together by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes ex tending longitudinally of said machine, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said teed operating member.

26. In a mining machine, a motor, a tees operating member, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planetdevices meshing with said members, means for efi'ecting rotation of two of said members by power from said motor including wor is rotating on parallel axes extending longitudinally of said machine, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

27. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for efiecting rotation of two or" said members at different speeds by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes extending longitudinally of said machine,

and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said ieed operating member. 7

28. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing wit-h said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members in opposite directions by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes extending longitudinally of said machine, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

29. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members. and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members in opposite directions at different speeds by power from said motor including worms ro tating on parallel axes extending longitudinally of said machine, and means connecting the other or" said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

30. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for transmitting power from said motor to said member including a plurality of coaxial members having their axes in a vertical line, two of which support coaxial gear members and another of which supports planet devices meshing with said gear members, means for effecting rotation of two of said members separately or together by power from said motor including worms rotating on parallel axes extending longitudinally of said ma chine, and means connecting the other of said members in driving relation to said feed operating member.

31. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for connecting said motor to said feed operatin member to drive the latter including epicyc ic reduction gearing disposed with its axis of orbital movement vertical and in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine, and means including a plurality of worms rotat ing on axes extending longitudinally of said machine for actuating a plurality of elements of said epicyclic gearing to produce a plural speed operation of said feed operating member.

32. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member, and means for connecting said motor to said feed operating member to drive the latter including epicyclic reduction gearing disposed with its axis of orbital movement vertical and in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine, and

means including a plurality of frictionally' controlled worms rotating on axes extending longitudinally of said machine for actuating a plurality of elements of said epicyclic gcaring to produce a plural speed operation of said feed operating member.

33. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotating on an axis in the central longitudinal vertical plane of said machine, and means for connecting said motor to said feed operating member to drive the latter'including epicyclic reduction gearing disposed with its axis of orbital movement vertical and in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine, and means in.- cluding a plurality of worms rotating on axes extending longitudinally of said machine for actuating a. plurality of elements of said epicyclicgearing to produce a plural speed operation of said feed operating member.

34. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotating on an axis in the central longitudinal vertical plane of said machine, and means for connecting said motor to said feed operating member to drive the latter including epicyclic reduction gearing disposed with its axis of orbital movement vertical and in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine, and means including a plurality of frictionally controlled worms rotating on axes extending longitudinally of said machine for actuating a plurality of elements of said epicyclic gearing to produce a plural speed operation of said feed operating member.

35. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotating on a vertical axis in the central longitudinal vertical plane of said machine, and means for connecting said motor to said feed operating member to drive the latter including epicyclic reduction gearing disposed with its axis of orbital movement vertical and in the central longitudinal. vertical plane of the machine, and means including a plurality of worms rotating on axes extending longitudinally of the machine for actuating a plurality of elements of said epicyclic gearing to produce a plural speed operation of said feed operating member.

36. In a mining machine, a motor, a feed operating member rotating on a vertical axis in the central longitudinal vertical plane of said machine, and means for connecting said motor to said feed operating member to drive the latter including epicyclic reduction gearing disposed with its axis of orbital movement vertical and in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine, and means including a plurality of frictionally controlled worms rotating on axes extending longitudinally of said machine for actuatlng a plurallty of elements of said epicychc gearing to produce a plural speed operation of said feed operating member.

37. In a mining apparatus, a machine frame having a projecting cutter bar, a feed operating member rotatable on an axis perpendicular to the plane of said bar, a driving member therefor rotatable on an axis parallel to the axis thereof, and driving means for said driving member including a worm rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said frame and a friction clutch coaxial with said worm through which the latter is driven.

38. In a mining apparatus, a machine frame having a projecting cutter bar, a feed operating member rotatable on an axis perpendicular to the plane of said bar, a driving member therefor rotatable on an axis parallel to the axis thereof, and plural speed driving means for said driving member including a worm rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said frame and a. friction clutch coaxial with said worm through which the latter is driven.

39. In a mining machine, a machine frame having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame, a motor intermediate said bar and said feed operating member and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, and operative connections between said motor and said feed operating member including a gear rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said machine frame, a friction clutch coaxial therewith, and a worm rotatable on loading of said clutch and coaxial with said gear.

40. In a mining machine, a machine frame having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame, a motor intermediate said bar and said feed operating member and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, and operative connections between said motor and said feed operating member including a driving pinion carried by said motor, a gear meshing therewith and constantly driven thereby and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said machine frame, a worm coaxial with said gear, a worm wheel rotatable on a vertical axis and driven by said worm, driving conneo tions between said worm wheel and said feed operating member, and clutch devices for connecting said worm and gear whereby the latter may drive-the former.

41. In a mining machine, a machine fran e having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midwav between the sides of the machine frame, a motor in-' termediate said bar and said feed operating member and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, and operative connect-ions between said motor andsaid feed operating member including a driving pinion carried by said motor, a gear meshing therewith and constantly driven thereby and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said machine frame, a worm coaxial with said gear, a worm wheel rotatable on a vertical axis and driven by said worm, driving connections between said worm wheel and said feed operating member, and friction clutch devices for connecting said worm and gear whereby the latter may drive the former.

as. In a mining machine, a machine frame having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame, a motor intermediate said bar and said feed operating member and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, and operative connections between said motor and said feed'operating member including a driving pinion carried b" said motor, a gear meshing therewith and constantly driven thereby and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said machine frame, a worm coaxial with said gear, a worm wheel rotatable on a. vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and driven by said worm, driving connections between said worm wheel and said feed operating member, and clutch devices for connecting said worm and gear whereby the latter may drive the former.

43. In a mining machine, a machine frame having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite'end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame, a motor intermediate said bar and said feed operating member and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, and operative connections between said motor and said feed operating member including a driving pinion carried by said motor, a gear meshing therewith and constantly driven thereby and rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said machine frame, a worm coaxial with said gear, a worm wheel rotatable on a vertical axis inidwav between the sides of the machine frame and nearer said motor than the axis of rotation of said feed operatin member and driven by said worm, driving connections between said worm wheel and said feed operating member, and clutch devices for connecting said worm and gear whereby the latter may drive the former.

44. In a mining machine, a machine frame having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed o erating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a. motor intermediate said feed operating member and said bar and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, an actuating member for said feed operating member rotating on a vertical axis nearer said motor than the axis of rotation of said feed operating member, and worm driving gearing for said actuating member including a plurality of coaxial friction clutches.

45. In a mining machine a machine frame having at one end thereof a pivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operatin member rotatable on a vertical axis midwav between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor intermediate said feed operating member and said bar and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, an actuating member for said feed operating member rotating on a vertical axis nearer said motor than the axis of rotation of said feed operating member, and worm driving gearing for said actuating member including a plurality of coaxial friction clutches arranged with their axes extending longitudinally of said machine frame.

46. In a mining machine, a machine frame having at one end thereof a ivoted cutter chain carrying cutter bar and at the opposite end thereof a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis midway between the sides of the machine frame and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a motor intermediate said feed operatin member and said bar and adapted to actuate said cutter chain, an actuating member for said feed o erating member rotating on a vertical axis nearer said mot-or than the axis of rotation of said feed operating memher, and worm driving gearing for said actuating member including a plurality of coaxial friction clutches arranged with their axes extending longitudinally of said machine frame and including a fast feed clutch adjacent said motor and a slow, speed clutch further from said motor.

427. In a mining machine, a machine frame having at one end thereof cutting mechanism, intermediate its ends a motor, and at its other end a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate dircctly with flexible feeding means, and. means driven by said motor for effecting rotation of said feed operating member including a worm rotatin on a horizontal axis and friction cont-rolled driving means for said worm comprising a plurality of elements connecting the same with said motor and all of which rotate on stationary axes parallel to a line parallel to the worm axis.

48. In a mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven thereby, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and driving means for said feed operating member including oppositely rotatable coaxial worm gears disposed on vertical axes.

49. In a mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven thereby, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and driving means for said feed operating member including oppositely rotatable coaxial worm gears disposed on vertical axes and operative to drive said feed operating member at a plurality of speeds.

50. In a mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven thereby, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and driving means for said feed operating member including oppositely rotatable coaxial worm gears disposed on vertical axes and operative to drive said feed operating member at a plurality of speeds in the same direction.

51. In a mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven thereby, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and driving means for said feed operating member including worms rotatable on parallel horizontal axes and coaxially arranged worm gears meshing with said worms.

52. In a mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven thereby, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and driving means for said feed operating member including coaxially arranged worm gears rotatable on vertical axes and in opposite directions, and parallel longitudinally extending horizontal worms meshing with said worm gears.

53. In a mining machine, a horizontal motor having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven from the opposite end of said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and driving gearing for said feed operating member including parallel hori- Zontally disposed fast and slow speed worms, and coaxially arranged worm gears meshing therewith and rotatable on vertical axes. I

54. In a mining machine, a horizontal motor having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven from the opposite end of said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and driving gearing for said feed operating member including parallel horizontally disposed fast and slow speed worms and coaxially arranged worm gears meshing therewith and rotatable on vertical axes, a terminal driving gear driven by said worm gearing at a plurality of speeds, and a gear rotatable with said feed operating member and meshing with said terminal gear.

55. In a mining mach ne, a motor, cutting mechanism driven thereby, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving gearing for said feed operating member including parallel worms rotatable on horizontal axes, eoaxially arranged worm gears meshing with said worms, and a friction clutch individual to each worm gear for controlling rotation thereof.

56. In a mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven thereby, and feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving gearing for said feed operating member including parallel worms rotatable on horizontal axes, coaxially arranged worm gears meshing with said worms, a friction clutch individual to each worm gear for controlling rotation thereof, a terminal gear arranged coaxially with said Worm gears and driven thereby at a plurality of speeds, and a gear rotatable with said feed operating member and meshing with said terminal gear.

57. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a motor carried thereby, and feeding means driven by said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom comprising a .feed operating member disposed on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and means for connecting said motor to said feed operating member to drive the latter including epi cyclic reduction gearing disposed with its axis of'orbital movement parallel to the axis of said feed operating member and in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine.

58. In a mining machine, a frame li on its bottom on the mine bottom, a motor carried thereby, and feeding means driven by said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom comprising a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feedin means, means for connecting said motor to said feed operating member to drive the latter including epicyclic-reduction gearing disposed with its axis of orbital movement parallel to the axis of said feed operating member and in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine, and means for actuating a plurality of elements of said epicyclic gearing to produce a plural speed operation of said feed operating member.

59. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a motor carried thereby, feeding means driven by said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom including a feed operating member rotating on a vertical axis in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and means for connecting said motor to said feed operating member to drive the latter including epicyclic reduction gearing disposed with its axis of orbital movement parallel to the axis of said feed operating member and in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine.

60. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a motor carried thereby, feeding means driven by said motor for .feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom including a feed operating member rotating on a vertical axis in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and means for connecting said motor to said feed operating member to drive, the latter including epicyclic reduction gearing disposed with its axis of orbital movement parallel to the axis of said feed operating member and in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine, andmeans for actuating a plurality of elements of said epicyclic gearing to produce a plural speed operation of said feed operating member.

61. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bot-tom on the mine bottom, a hori zontal motor carried thereby having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and .feeding means driven from the opposite end of said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom comprising a feed operating member rotating on a vertical axis in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means (for connecting said motor to said feed operating member to drive the latter including epicyclic reduction gearing disposed with its axis of orbital movement vertical and in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine.

62. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a horizontal motor carried thereby having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding means driven from the opposite end of said[ motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom comprising a ,feed operating member rotating on a vertical axis in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and means for connecting said motor to said feed operating member to drive the latter including epicyclic reduction gearing disposed with its axis'of orbital movement vertical and in the central longitudinal vertical plane of the machine, and means for actuating a plurality of elements of said epicy'clic gearing to produce a plural speed operation of said feed operating member.

63. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a horizontal motor carried thereby having its power shaft extending longitudinally of the ma chine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding means driven from the opposite end of said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom comprising a feed drum rotatable on a vertical axis disposed substantially midway between the sides of the machine and of a diameter substantially equal to the Width of the machine, a flexible feeding element cooperating with said drum, and driving connections between saidmotor and drum including a plural speed planetary device disposed with its axis of orbital movement vertical and having frictional controlling means for each of its speeds.

64. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a horizontal motor carried thereby havingits axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor including a horizontally swingable cutter bar, and feeding means driven from the opposite end of said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving means for said feed operating member comprising a planetary variable speed device having its axis of orbital movement vertical.

65. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a horizontal. motor carried thereby having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor including a horizontally swingable cutter bar, and feeding means driven from the opposite end of said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving means for said feed operating member comprising a planetary variable speed device having its axis of orbital movement vertical and disposed bodily between the drum axis and said motor.

66. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a horizontal motor carried thereby having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding means driven from the opposite end of said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom comprising plural speed transmission means including a varlable speed planetary device disposed with its axis of orbital movement vertical, and a feed operatin g member driven thereby and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means.

67. In a mining machine, a frame slidabie on its bottom on the mine bottom, a horizontal motor carried thereby having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding means driven from the opposite end of said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom comprising plural speed transmission means including a variable speed planetary device disposed with its axis of orbital movement vertical, and a feed operating member driven thereby rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means.

68. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a horizontal motor carried thereby having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor including a pivoted cutter bar disposable at either side of the frame and lengthwise of said frame, and feeding means driven from the opposite end of said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom comprising plural speed transmission means including a variable speed planetary device disposed with its axis of orbital movement vertical, and a feed operatin member driven thereby and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means.

69. In a-mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a horizontal motor carried thereby having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism diiven from one end of said motor, and feeding means driven from the opposite end of said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom comprising a plural speed transmission mechanism including coaxial fast and slow speed friction controlling clutches and a feed operating member driven thereby and rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means. 7

70. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a horizontal driving motor carried thereby having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding means driven from the opposite end of said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom comprising a plural speed transmission mechanism including coaxial fast and slow speed Worm gears and a feed operating member driven thereby and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means. 1

71. In a mining machine, an invertible machine frame slidable on the mine bottom and having a plurality of opposed plane surfaces on which the machine is adapted to be selectively supported during its operation, a motor carried by said frame, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom While supported on either of its supporting surfaces including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis perpendicular to said plane supporting surfaces and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means.

72. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on the mine bottom and having a plurality of opposed plane surfaces on which the machine is adapted to be selectively supported to enable the machine to cut in different planes, a motor carried by said frame,

cutting mechanism including a horizontal plane cutter bar, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally over the mine bottom while supported on either surface including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis perpendicular to said plane supporting surfaces and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means.

73. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom over the mine bottom and including a horizontal motor having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven from the opposite end of said motor including plural speed gearing, certain of the gears of which are coaxially arranged and rot-atable on vertical axes and each having individual frictional controlling means, and a feed operating member driven thereby rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate'with flexible feeding 7 4. In a mining apparatus, a machine frame slidable over the mine bottom on its bottom and having a projecting cutter bar, a feed operating member and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means rotatable on an axis perpendicular to the plane of operation of said bar, a driving member for said feed operating member transmitting rotation thereto and rotatable on an axis parallel to the axis of the latter, and driving means for said driving member including a worm rotatable on an axis extending longitudinally of said frame and a manually controllable friction clutch coaxial with said worm for controlling driving of the latter.

75. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a motor carried thereby and having its power shaft extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving connections between said feed operating member and the opposite end of said motor including coaxial fast and slow speed worm wheels rotatable on a vertical axis and selectively operable to drive said feed operating member at fast and slow speeds.

76. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a motor carried thereby and having its power shaft extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and plural speed driving connections between said feed operating member and the opposite end of said motor including coaxial fast and slow speed worm wheels rotatable on a vertical axis and selectively operable to drive said feed operating member at fast and slow speeds, and worms rotating on parallel axes and meshing with said worm wheels respectively.

77. In a mining machine of the type slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom during cutting, feed operating mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, a motor, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and plural speed driving connections between said feed operating member and the opposite end of said motor in cluding coaxial fast and slow speed worm wheels rotatable on a vertical axis and selectively operable to drive said member at a plurality of speeds.

78. In a mining apparatus, in combination, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, feeding mechanism car ried thereby including a feed operating ber rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and actuating means for said member including a plurality of coaxial worm wheels disposed on axes parallel to a line parallel to the axis of rotation of said feed operating member, means whereby said feed operating member may be driven by either of said worm wheels, and means for effecting rotation of said Worm wheels at different speeds including worms engaging respectively therewith and rotating on parallel axes.

79. In a mining apparatus, in combination, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, feeding mechanism carried thereby including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, actuating means for said feed operating member including a plurality of coaxial worm wheels rotatable on axes parallel to a line parallel to the axis of rotation of said feed operating member, means whereby said feed operating member may be driven by either of said Worm Wheels, and means for effecting rotation of said worm Wheels at different speeds including oppositely rotating worms engaging respectively therewith.

80. In a mining apparatus, in combination, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, feeding mechanism carried thereby including a feed operating member rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and actuating means for said feed operating member including a plurality of coaxial worm wheels rotatable on axes parallel to a line parallel to the axis of rotation of said feed operating member, means Whereby said feed operating member may be driven by either of said Worm wheels, and means for effecting rotation of said worm wheels at different speeds including Worms engaging respectively therewith and rotating in opposite directions on parallel axes.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

MORRIS P. HOLMES. 

